Therapeutic table

ABSTRACT

A therapeutic table having a frame and at least three patient supporting platforms slidably mounted on the frame. The table is characterized by the frame being pivotable about a pedestal so that either end of the patient supporting portion may be elevated. The table is further characterized by a vibrator supported from the frame and being operatively connected to means for supporting an extremity of a patient on the table.

United States Patent [151 sesame Draux Feb. 1, 1972 [54] THERAPEUTICTABLE 3,! 18,442 1/l964 Montgomery ..128/71 [72] Inventor: Marcel M.Draux, 57 rue de Rempart, 59 g 57 valenciennes, France [22] Filed: Sept.12, 1969 FOREIGN PATENTS 0R APPLICATIONS 21 APP] 57 415 88,820 2/1967France 128/71 Primary Examiner-L. W. Trapp [30] Forelgn ApplicationPriority Data Anomey pishman and van Kirk Oct. 16, 1968 France ..l70l46[57] ABSTRACT A therapeutic table having a frame and at least threepatient 58] i 24 2 24 3 supporting platforms slidably mounted on theframe. The table is characterized by the frame being pivotable about apedestal so that either end of the patient supporting portion [56]References cued may be elevated. The table is further characterized by avibra- UNITED STATES PATENTS tor supported from the frame and beingoperatively connected 2 641 252 6/1953 H 128/33 to means for supportingan extremity of a patient on the table.

emmmg 2,773,499 12/1956 Zur Nieden l 28/ 71 UX 13 Claims, 20 DrawingFigures 1 i f T?" l llllli 1 I v I I 1111:133 H N Ii-22' E -13) I" T I l1g 24 25] 1119 PATENIEU rm I 1972 SHEET UIUF 1O PATENIEB FEB 1 I972SHEET 03 0F 10 Fig. 10

PATENTEU E8 1 H72 SHEET 08 0F 10 PATENTED E sum 0W 1 PATENTEU FEB 1 i972SHEET OBUF 10 Fig.1?

PATENTEB FEB 1 H1? SHEET DSUF 10 THERAPEUTIC TABLE BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION aim at promoting the unblocking of articulations (especiallyvertebral or sacro-iliac) and at combatting the compression ofintervertebral discs which may have been caused and exacerbated by theeffects of present-day life. These treatments are also aimed atfacilitating the relaxation of muscular contractions and generallycompensating for the effects of weight; not

only on the spinal column, but equally on the entire organism (forexample visceral ptoses, slackening of muscles and ligaments, slowingdown of veinous and lymphatic circulation).

For.,carrying out such treatments, the following devices and methodshave hitherto been used:

a. Stretching Tables: various models exist, all based on the principlethat a certain amount of lengthening of the spinal column is attained byindirectly fastening the latter at two points to two portions of atable, the two portions being movable relative to each other and beingmade to move apart.

Spinal stretching has a number of disadvantages the best known of whichare as follows:

I. frequently painful and at best uncomfortable for the patient since itimposes traction stresses on the intervertebral discs which aresometimes great and for which the patient is physiologically ill suited;

.2. it often brings on reflex contraction of the paravertebral muscleswhich tend to resist the dislocation;

3. it transmits an identical strain to all the discs located between thepoints of application of the traction, which is not very logical if onetakes into account the fact that the discs have adapted themselves bysubstantial structural changes to weights which, in upright or seatedposture, progressively increase from the brain end of the spine to itsbase; and

4. it has no effect on the remainder of the organism.

b. Sloping Boards-Relaxation Chairs: envisaged for resting, their effectis almost solely on the blood circulation and perhaps the visceralptoses. They require comparatively long periods of use for a limitedresult.

c. Vibrating Chairs or Beds: the vibrations of the frame are transmittedto the body. They are, however, not coordinated, all the body vibratingon the spot," and therefore they cannot really find any specific medicalor paramedical application.

.d. Vibrating Platforms: these appear to be no more than variation ofthe preceding system, differing only in the position of the user whostands on the platform. Actually, the vibrations in this method oftreatment are transmitted in the direction of weight and thusconsiderably aggravate its results by adding a harmful compressioneffect on the vertebral column, the vital organs, the circulation; theyconstitute the antithesis of the subject of the present invention.

e. Vibro-massage Apparatus: being appliances of limited power, theirvibrations are localized at the point of application, on the skin, onthe subcutaneous tissues and on the superficial muscles; they aregenerally reserved for beauty treatment. Certain more powerful types cantransmit their vibrations to deeper lying muscles and may be used forrelaxation massage; their effect, however, is also limited to the placeof application of the vibrator and, as far as the longitudinal musclesare concerned, they act only in a plane perpendicular to .those muscles.

Without entering into an anatomical discussion, or a physiopathologicalone, it is necessary to recall some essential elements in order tounderstand how the present invention functions and to justify itsusefulness.

If one considers that the spinal column is formed of mobile segments-thevertebraeinterconnected and separated by intervertebral,fibre-cartilaginous discs and linked by joints through the medium ofarticular protuberances, the surfaces of which must freely slide on eachother, it becomes obvious that these segments can lose their mobilitythrough external influences (strain, some kind of trauma, a heavy blowor repeated light blows, muscular contraction etc.) or through internalinfluences (changes in the state of the contacting surfaces or of thediscs, which changes may be of, for example, inflammatory, infectious ordegenerative origin).

It is well known that changes in the soundness of articular harmony(intervertebral, sacro-iliac, occipito-atlo-axoid) and the consequentloss of mobility can be the cause of local or distantly radiated pain,or irritations of the spinal nerves or their roots, of compression orirritation of the spinal marrow with eventual repercussions down to thelevel of the base of the spine and even to the mesencephalus, ofcerebral or bulbospinal (syndrome of the vertebral artery) or medullarirrigation disturbances, or disturbances of the irrigation and drainageof the vertebral segments themselves with their ulterior consequences onthe bone structure (particularly the degree of calcification), andfinally of the most diverse organic malfunctions.

The nature of the vertebral blockages which result in loss of mobilityvaries at each vertebral stage according to the shape, the inclinationand the state of the contacting articular surfaces and also because ofthe nature and thickness of the discs or of the ligaments, the extent ofmuscular contraction etc.

It can be said that two vertebrae cease to mutually articulate in thenormal manner when their contact surfaces no longer slide freely one onthe other through having slightly exceeded the nomtal limits of theirmovements and having become frozen in this new position, by havingliterally being seized up through an extended period of physiologicalinactivity, by being fixed" by muscular contractions or by a moreprofound change of pathological nature of the state of thearticulations.

It is well known that all these blockages, dislocations" or slips," aswell as pinching of discs, are directly or indirectly connected toweight. Even when they appear independently of weight; as may happen asa result of an accident, strain or wrong movement; the problems areaggravated by weight once they have appeared.

Except in pathologic cases where, to the contrary, immobilization of thevertebrae was desirable and sought after, it thus became logical on theone hand to free these articular seizures and on the other hand tocombat the effect of intervertebral disc compression due to heaviness bya brief action in the opposite direction. This may be accomplished byapplying, to the various intervertebral discs, a force of the weakestpossible extent but nevertheless exactly proportional to the weightsupported by the discs in upright (or seated) position. Accordingly, itis considered desirable that this "antiweight action on the spinalcolumn should be accompanied by a similar action on the viscera andorgans, on the circulation (particularly the return of blood from thelower limbs and the drainage of the lymphatic vessels), and on thegeneral relaxation of the muscles which sustain the upright posture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of this invention is to overcome orreduce the effects of the previously described disadvantages of priorart therapeutic treatment apparatus. The present invention achieves thisobject by permitting the effects of a rapid intermittent traction (axialvibration) to be combined with the inclined position of the patient.

The present invention comprises a therapeutic table which includes aframe mounted on a horizontal shaft supported by a pedestal so that theframe can be inclined out of a horizontal position, a tabletopconsisting of a plurality of platforms mounted in the same place on saidframe so that the platforms may freely and individually slide in saidplane in a common direction perpendicular to the inclination axis of theframe, a footrest carried by an end platform, a vibration devicecomprising a stationary portion carried by that end of the frame whichsupports the footrest and a sliding portion provided with straps fortying the ankles of a patient lying on the tabletop to the slidingportion.

The table, the general characteristics of which have just been defined,may further include a number of complementary components which will bereverted to hereinafter and the presence of which is of great advantage.These additional components are in particular: a headrest, straps foroccasionally tying the patient to the platforms, stops for limiting therun of the platforms and various adjustment and locking means.

In accordance with the invention, the patient lies on his back on thetabletop with his ankles strapped to the vibration device and the tableis slightly inclined so that the patients feet are higher than his headwhich, because of the mobility of the platforms, places his spine underslight tension. In this sloping position the patients vertebrae, insteadof being subjected to weight as in everyday life, i.e., to compressionforces, are subjected to traction forces. The intensity of thesetraction forces is proportional of that of the compression forces and ofweaker values.

As will be explained in detail below, various adjustment means make itpossible to impart to these traction forces the precise characteristicsdesired. Moreover, the nature of the forces in question (vibration)permits the traction force to be considerably reduced, as compared withthat of the conventional stretching table, but with the same result.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The present invention will be betterunderstood by reading the following description and examining theaccompanying drawings which, as a nonlimiting example, show oneembodiment of a vertebrotherapy table in accordance with the presentinvention:

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the entire table;

FIG. 2 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows, on enlarged scale, the central upper portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows, on enlarged scale, the left portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows, on enlarged scale, the right portion of FIG. 1, partlybroken away;

- FIG. 6 is a section along the line VI-VI of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a section along the line VII-VII of FIG. I;

FIG. 8 is a plan view, with broken away parts, corresponding to FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a plan view, with broken away parts, of the right portion ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a section along the line XX ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 1 1 shows, on enlarged scale, a detail of FIG. 3 encompassed by thecircle indicated in broken lines at XI;

FIG. 12 is a section along the line XII-XII of FIG. 1 1;

FIG. 13 is a section along the line XlII--XIII of FIG. 1 1;

FIG. 14 shows an elevation, on enlarged scale, the detail indicated inplan view at XIV in FIG. 2;

FIG. 15 is a section along the line XVXV of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a section along the line XVl-XVI of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is an end view seen in the direction of arrow XVI in FIG. 5;

FIG. 18 is an end view seen in the direction of arrow XVIII in FIG. 4;

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal cross section through the vibration device;and

FIG. 20 is a section along the line XXXX of FIG. 19.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT in carrying the invention intoeffect by way of example a therapeutic table, shown in its entirety inFIGS. 1 and 2, comprises a pedestal I, an inclinable frame 2, aplurality of platforms 3, 4, 5 for supporting the patient. The platform3 is provided with a footrest 8 and a vibrator 12 while the platform 5is provided with a headrest 9.

The height of the pedestal 1 is adjustable and for this purpose thepedestal consists of two portions, Le, a lower portion in the form oftwo flanges I5, 16 (see also FIG. 7) braced by two crossbars l8, l9, andan upper portion in the form of two flanges 22, 23 (see also FIG. 6)held against the inner surfaces of the two flanges 15, 16 of the lowerpedestal portion by two struts 24, 25. Struts 24, 25 are threadedthrough two tubular tiebeams, such as shown at 27, the ends of whichtiebeams abut the inner surfaces of the flanges 22, 23. The two struts24, 25 pass through vertical slots 31, 32 of the lower flange l6 and twocorresponding slots such as 33 of the lower flange IS. The struts 24, 25are made in the form of bolts which permits the upper portion of thepedestal 1 to be locked in its lower portion at any desired height.

The frame 2 also comprises two flanges 37, 38 braced by two crossbars39. The frame 2 is pivotally mounted on an upper tubular beam 41 (FIGS.3 and 6) which passes through the tips of the two flanges 22, 23 of theupper portion of pedestal 1. The two ends of the beam 41 are madeintegral with the two flanges 38, 38 of the frame 2 by two pins 42, 43respectively. Two rings 44, 45, fixed on the beam 41 by pegs 46, 47respectively, hold the upper portion of the two flanges 22, 23 of thepedestal against the inner surfaces of the two flanges 37, 38 of thetable.

The frame can readily be inclined to either side of the horizontal up toan angle of about 12; by means of any suitable drive such as, forexample, the one illustrated which comprises a drive shaft 51 adapted toreceive a driving wheel or a crank. Shaft 51 rotates in a bore 52 in theflange 23 of the pedestal, as well as in a bore 53 of a support 54integral with said flange. A sprocket wheel 55 is mounted on the shaft51 and engages a cog wheel 56 mounted on a shaft 57. Shaft 57 rotates inbores 58 and 59 in the flange 23 and the support 54 respectively. Acrank 62 is also mounted on the shaft 57 and a circular cam 63,eccentric relative to the axis of the shaft 57, is carried by the crank62. Cam 63 is disposed in a radial opening 65 of the flange 38 of thepivotable frame 2. A cover plate 66 is attached by two screws 67 to theouter surface of the flange 38 and screens the opening 65.

The shaft 57 passes through the flange 38 of the pivotable frame 2, viaan arcuate slot 71 therein, coaxially of the pivotal beam 41 of saidframe.

Threaded rods 75, 75 are extended from the opposite ends of a bracingtube 74 disposed between the flanges 22 and 23 of the pedestal. Rods 75,76 pass through corresponding holes in flanges 22, 23 and also passthrough arcuate slots 77, 78 in flanges 37, 38 of the pivotable frame.Rods 75, 76 are fixed and are also coaxial with the upper beam 41.Elements, e.g., screwnuts, can be placed on the ends of the threadedrods 75, 76 in such manner that, in pressing against the flanges 37 and38 of the ivotable frame, they immobilize the latter in any desiredsloping position. In the illustrated embodiment these tighteningelements are of the conventional rapid tightening cam type, such asshown at 81, and they are provided with an operating handle 82 (FIG. 3).

The upper portion of the frame 2 serves as support for the tabletopcomprising the three platforms or panels 3, 4, 5. For that purpose twoslides 88, 89 of recumbent U-shaped cross section are fixed, e.g., byscrews 87, below the lateral edges of each panel. Considering forexample panel 4, the slides face each other and rest on rollers, such asroller 92. Each roller is freely rotatably about an axis 93 horizontallyfixed in the upper portion of the corresponding flange of the frame 2.The lower leg section of the corresponding slide runs against otherrollers, such as 96, (see FIG. 10) freely mounted on vertical axes 97.Axes 97 are fixed in the upper portion of the corresponding flange ofthe frame.

In the embodiment illustrated, the forward movement of each platform 3,4 and 5 is restricted to a predetermined value of the order of 2 cm., 4cm. and 7.6 cm. respectively. For this purpose there is provided at eachside of the table and for each platform a withdrawable abutment such as101 (FIGS. 3 and 11 to 13). Abutment 101 comprises a stop mounted so asto be pivotable about a horizontal axis 102, the axis 102 being arrangedin the upper portion of the corresponding flange of the frame 2. Eachstop is partly lodged in a cavity 104 of quartercircular shape machinedout of the external face of the associated flange and having a verticaledge such as 105. The stops are also partly received in a rectangulargroove 106 notched in the lower legs of the corresponding mobile slide.When a stop is in the vertical position shown in the drawings and theend 107 of the groove of the corresponding slide comes to hit the stop,the slide is immobilized since said stop is itself in contact with thefixed surface 105 of the cavity 104 in the frame 2. If the stop 101 isbrought into a horizontal position by pivoting it about its axis 102,the movement of the slide is not interrupted because said stop enterssaid slide and then the platform can readily be removed if one wishes todo so.

Other stops, not shown, are disposed below the rear platform 3 and arepivotable 90 in the opposite direction so as to prevent accidentalbackward sliding of the assembly of panels.

Stubs or knobs 111 (FIG. are fixed at intervals in the outer surfaces ofthe slides 88 and 89. Straps 112 can be hooked onto stubs 111 forstrapping the patient to the platforms.

The footrest 8 comprises a transom 12] (FIGS. 5, 9 and 17) supported bytwo vertical rods 122, 123. Rods 122, 123 are slideable and adjustableas to their elevation in two devices 124, 125 carried by two members126, 127. Members 126 and 127 are mounted for longitudinal slidingrelative to the platform 3 by means of two slide systems indicatedgenerally at 128 and 129.

Each of the height adjustment devices such as 124, is of conventionaltype (see in section, FIG. 5) and comprises a socket 281 of conventionaltype having an internal conical narrowing 284 at its lower end.

Balls 283 are housed in each of sockets 281 and are urged towards theconical narrowing by a spring 287, the springs being propped by ashoulder 289 on the upper portion of said sockets 281. A sleeve 282 isslideably mounted on the rod 122; the lower end of the sleevepenetrating into the socket 281 and defining longitudinal slits 290 inwhich said balls run. The lower free end of said sleeve also comprisesforks 291 adapted to cooperate with said balls. The upper end of thesleeve is provided with a collar 292 which permits the collar of thesocket to spread and thus lift the balls 283 so that the rod 122 mayfreely slide. As soon as the sleeve 282 is released, the action of thespring 287 causes the balls to wedge between the rod 122 and the conicalnarrowing.

The above-described devices enable the footrest 121 to be raised orlowered, the footrest remaining immobilized in the position in which itis left. The footrest can also be longitudinally adjusted by sliding thetwo slide systems 128, 129. Slide systems 128, 129 can also beimmobilized in any desired position by means of a conventional lockingsystem such as 135, 136; e.g., by a cam-type device.

The slide systems 128 and 129, which may best be seen from FIG. 17, areidentical and comprise four spars 304, 305, 306 and 307 integral withthe platform 3. The spars 304 and 305 have a square section and haveL-shaped profiles 308, 309 at their surfaces facing one another. Theslide systems also comprise angle-blocks 310 and 311 which lie on thehorizontal legs of the L-shaped profiles of the spars; the angleblocksbeing integral with a member 312.

A plate 313 is mounted below and extends between the horizontal legs ofthe profiles 308 and 309. Plate 313 is pierced by a screw 314 which isscrewed into the member 312. Screw 314 is provided with a head having alateral handle. By tightening the screw 314 the horizontal legs of theprofiles 308 and 309-are squeezed between the angle-blocks 310, 311 andthe plate 313 and the footrest is locked in longitudinal direction.

The locking device designated 136 may be identical to that designatedand identical reference numerals have been used in both cases.

The headrest (FIGS. 4, 8 and 18) is, like the footrest, supported byvertical rods 152, 153 mounted through the intermediary of heightadjustment 154, 155. Height adjustment 154, 155 is identical to thedevices 124, 125 described above in relation to FIGS. 5 and 17. As maybe seen from FIG. 13, height adjustment devices 154, 155 comprisemembers 156, 157 integral with a bedplate 159 which, by means of alongitudinal slide designated as a whole by the numeral 158, can beshifted in relation to the platform 5. A neckrest 151 associated withthe headrest is supported, like the latter, by the bedplate 159 throughthe intermediary of two height adjustment devices 162, 163.

The longitudinal slide comprises two spars 295 and 294, integral withthe platform 5, comprising L-shaped profiles 296 and 297. One of thehorizontal legs of one of profile 296 supports an angle-block 298integral with the bedplate 159, and the other profile 297 supports anangle-block 299, likewise integral with said bedplate.

Under the horizontal legs of the profiles 296 and 297, and between theirvertical legs, extends a bar 300 pierced by a threaded rod 301. Rod 301is integral with the bedplate 159 and is provided with a screwnut 161having a lateral handle; the nut 161 thus constituting a locking system.

The slide can be immobilized in any desired position by means of thelocking system. In fact, by tightening the nut 161, the angle-blocks 298and 299 will be caused to squeeze the horizontal legs of the profiles296 and 297 between the angleblocks and the bar 300. Thus the headrestand the neckrest can both be adjusted as to their height and inlongitudinal direction so as to adapt them to the curvature of anypatients spine.

The vibrator 12 (FIGS. 9 and 20) of generally elongate cylindrical formis held by means of a collar (FIG. 17) with which the vibrator isintegral. Collar 175 can slide on two longitudinal rods 176, 177 carriedby the corresponding end of the frame. Collar 175 permits the locationof the vibrator to be adjusted according to the stature of the patient.

As will be described below, one can moreover place the vibrator underthe other end of the tabletop, i.e., under the headrest, as shown inbroken lines at 12 in FIG. 4, by mounting the collar 175 on analogousrods 178, 179 integral with the corresponding end of the frame. In viewof the structure of the assembly, it is necessary in this secondposition for the vibrator to be lower than when it is arranged under thefootrest; and it is for this reason that the plane of the holes of thecollar 175 is spaced a certain distance from the axis of said vibrator.

The vibrator can be immobilized on its support rods, by means of a wingscrew 181 mounted in a foot of the collar 175, by applying pressureagainst one of the support rods such as 176.

The vibrator is shown in detail in FIGS. 19 and 20. It comprises acylindrical body 191 into one end of which a checkbase 192 is screwed,while at the other end another base 193 is fixed by screw 194. The base193 is provided with a ball cartridge 196 in which a striker can slide.A crossbar 198 ending in two flanges 199 is fixed at the outer end ofthe striker. Each of these flanges 199 is pierced by an opening 202through which a strap, such as shown at 203, for attaching the ankles ofthe patient can be passed.

With a view to another utilization, the crossbar 198 carried by thestriker is in the form of a slide in which two frames 207, 208 can slidein opposition. Two axles 211, 212, respectively passing through therespective frames 207, 208 and having two rollers 213, 214 freelymounted thereon, also form part of the slide. These two rollers can bebrought closer together or wider apart by means of a threaded rod 216,the opposed threads of which are engaged in correspondingly tapped holesof the two flanges 207, 208. The rod 216 is rotatably mounted in the twoflanges 199 and one of its ends is provided with an operating knob 218.

A shoulder 221, prevented from turning in the body 197 by a rod 222(another function of which will be later explained), is fixed to theinterior end of the striker 197. The rod 222 passes both through alongitudinal hole 223 in the base 193 and through a longitudinal hole224 in the shoulder 221.

The striker 197 is urged toward the interior of the body 191 by ahelical compression spring 226 the two ends of which are propped againstthe base 193 and the shoulder 221 respectively.

The striker 197 is periodically displaced, at great velocity and counterto the bias of its return spring 226, by a mechanism driven by anelectric motor 228. The drive mechanism is provided with a check means229 which is coaxial with the checkbase 192 of the body 191. The collar175 is fixed on electric motor 228.

At the tip of the shaft 231 of electric motor 228, which tip is insidethe vibrator body 191, a plate 233 having an oblique face 234 is fixedby means of a bolt 232. The plate 233 is rotatably mounted by a needlebearing 235 and a ball bearing 236 of slanting contact; the exteriorrings of both bearings being mounted in the base 192. Against theoblique face 234 of the rotary plate 233 a ball 238 is freely set in adisc 239. Disc 239 is integral with a pivot 242. Pivot 242 can slideaxially, without turning, in an axial bore of a spindle 243 and spindle243 can turn, without axial displacement, in the shoulder 221. Theangular connection between the pivot 242 and the spindle 243 is ensuredby a bolt 245 radially mounted in the spindle 243 and having its endhoused in a longitudinal groove of the pivot 242. The ball 238 leansagainst an abutment ball ring 247 which in turn, via a washer 248, leansagainst the outer ring of a ball bearing 249. The inner ring of bearing249 is fitted on the spindle 243. The angular position of the spindle243 can be modified from the outside of the apparatus by means of acontrol knob 251 fixed to the corresponding end of the rod 222. Theinterior end of rod 222 carries a toothed wheel 252 which engagesanother toothed wheel 253 integral with the spindle 243. The center ofthe ball 238 is spaced from the geometric axis of the pivot 242 by thesame distance as exists between that axis and the axis of the obliquelyfaced plate 233. When the spindle 243 on the shoulder 221 is in theangular position shown in FIG. 19 there is maximum spacing between theball 238 and the axis of the obliquely faced plate. Accordingly, axialmovement of maximal stroke is imparted to the striker 197 when the plate233 is rotatingly entrained by the electric motor 228. If, by means ofthe adjustment control 251, the ball 238 is brought nearer to the axisof the obliquely faced plate, the axial stroke of the striker isobviously reduced for every rotation of said plate. When the ball 238 isin the center of the plate, the stroke of the striker is zero. Thusthere is a possibility of very precise adjustment of the extent of thestrikers stroke. One can also adjust the frequence of the vibrations ofthe striker if one uses an electric motor 228 of variable speed, e.g.,by means of a rheostat.

FIG. 2 shows at 261 a device for joining the two platforms 4 and 5 atone side. A similar device 262 is disposed at the other side and twomore such devices 263 and 264, similarly arranged, serve to join theplatforms 3 and 4.

Joining device 261 is shown in details in FIGS. 14 and 16 and comprisesa platelet 262 one end of which is fixed to the corresponding slide ofplatform 5 by a rivet 263. A rapid tightening system is fixed in a slit264 at the other end of platelet 262. The tightening system is of anyconventional and suitable kind and is designated as a whole by thenumeral 265. The tightening system comprises, for instance, a cammedhandle 266 arranged in a stud 267 inside which stud slides a rod 268passing through the slit 264 and through a corresponding slit 269 of theslide of the neighboring platform 4. The rod 268 has a cap 271 intendedto bear against the interior surface of the base of the slide so as toensure joining of the two slides and consequently of the twocorresponding platforms.

The vertebro-therapy table operates as follows:

The operator or medical assistants adjusts the height of the tableaccording to his stature and for his comfort by causing the upperportion 23 of the pedestal to slide along the lower portion 16. Heightadjustment is accomplished by first releas ing the threaded rods 24, 25and locking them after adjustment.

The patient lies on his back on the table in such manner that his backrests on the platform 5, his pelvis on platform 4 and his legs onplatform 3, his feet being on the footrest 8 and his head and neckrespectively on the headrest 9 and the neckrest 151. These last threeelements are conveniently adjusted in longitudinal direction as well asin height by using the means hereinbefore described.

The vibrator 12 is in the elevated position shown in FIGS. 1 and 17 andthe patients ankles are strapped to the ends of the crossbar 198 of saidapparatus by straps 203.

By means of the crank or the driving wheel mounted on the shaft 51 oneinclines the table in a direction which imparts a slightly slopingposition to the patient, i.e., his head being placed lower than hisfeet.

An angle of inclination of 12 of the table gives good results. Thepelvis, the back and the head of the patient are thus entrained downwardby the effect of heaviness, this movement being made quite freely thanksto the individual mobility of the three platforms. The spinal column isthus stretched naturally. The vibration apparatus is then started up,its speed and stroke being adjusted as need be.

The thus obtained intermittent, very rapid traction, in the form of anaxial vibration, is longitudinally transmitted to the entire body of thepatient and permits a supplementary lengthening of the spinal column byself-traction on the intervertebral discs and by breaking up themuscular contraction and the excessive friction existing between thelocked" articular surfaces. The feet of the patient are maintained inthe high position and the vibrations cause a decompression with naturalelongation of the spine. During the course of this utilization therollers 213, 214 of the vibration apparatus are not used.

Apart from this principal utilization the table hereinbefore describedcan serve additional utilizations:

In cases of locking of the cervico-dorsal joint, it may in such cases beuseful to apply supplementary traction in that region. For this purposethe table is inclined in the opposite direction so that the head is in ahigher position and that the remainder of the body serves to produce thetraction force. For this utilization a fabric chinpiece is added to theheadrest which then fixes the head more carefully, while the vibratorapparatus is placed in the low position as shown in FIG. 18 and it isattached directly to the lower portion of the bedplate 159. This is theonly case, and an exceptional one, when the vibration apparatus itselfactuates a movable portion of the table.

The table can be installed in two different ways, depending on thelocality available to the user:

A first solution is for the vibrator assembly to be fixed optionally atthe front or at the rear end of the table and the latter may be inclinedin both directions. This is the solution illustrated and describedherein.

In a second solution the platforms 3 and S are interchangeable and thetable can be inclined in only one direction.

Finally, it may in certain cases be necessary to add a percussion oncertain segments of the patients spinal column. The patient then lies onthe table face down, the vibration device is removed from the table andheld by hand so that one can cause the vibrators rollers 213, 214 toroll over the afflicted segments of the spinal column. This is, in fact,a deep vibration massage, symmetrically applied to the vertebral tracts,the spacing of the two rollers being so adjusted that the rollers makecontact above the transverse or articular (dorsal region) or mamillary(lumber region) protuberances. The speed and amplitude of the vibrationsare adjusted to optimum values. Adjustment of the spacing permits ofprecise application according to the individual or according to thevertebrae in question.

The advantages of the table may be summarized in the following manner:

l. The above-mentioned adjustments (speed and stroke of the vibratingelement, inclination of the table) can be made in the running state andthus all combinations to ensure optimum functioning are posible; thisallows the most varied conditions of use to be met, according to age,weight, stature, vertebral condition of each individual and according tothe effect desired.

2. The intermittent, ultrarapid traction (axial vibration) permits of asubstantial reduction of the traction force for an identical result,which by itself constitutes an advantage over the conventionalstretching tables; it would then be sufficient to fasten the patient tothe movable boards by means of straps provided for this purpose. This isthe object of the studs or knobs provided in the lateral portions of theplatform slides.

3. 1n the inclined position the weights carried by each vertebra becomethe pulling forces (or at least an identical fraction of these weights).

This is the main advantage of the system: there is perfectproportionality of the forces pulling at each vertebra and at eachintervertebral disc and the weights carried by them in upright (orseated) position.

4. Adjustment of the inclination permits of modifying while takingaccount of the proportionality between the various vertebral stages, themagnitude of the forces pulling at each vertebral segment, through thedegree of inclination.

5. The traction, which is the longitudinal component of the body weighton the table when considered as an inclined plane, thus variessubstantially like the sine of the angle of inclination.

The 12 limit of inclination used in the embodiment described is not anabsolute and a larger angle may be applied, but it corresponds to rulesof comfort and of safety which are the result of experiments.

For additional utilizations it may be necessary to exceptionallyimmobilize the platforms relative to the frame. To this end FIG. 12shows, by way of example, a means of immobilizing any of the threeplatforms, e.g., platforms on the frame 2, in the form of a stationarycylindrical peg 321 preferably provided with a knurled head 322. Peg 321simultaneously engages a hole 323 in the slide 88 of said platform and ahole 324 in the frame 2. If peg 321 is in position, the correspondingplatform is immobilized on the frame and since the three platforms canbe rendered integral by means described above, it is thus optionallypossible to make them all integral with said frame. The peg 321 needonly be removed to release the platforms. Moreover, if desired, once canplace a similar peg at the other side of the platform, as well asthrough the slides of the other platforms.

The invention is, of course, not restricted to the embodimentillustrated and described, which has been given by way of example, and anumber of modifications may be introduced according to the applicationsenvisaged, without thereby departing from the outline of the invention.

lclaim:

1. A therapeutic table comprising:

a pedestal;

elongated frame means pivotally mounted to said pedestal and extendingto either side thereof, said frame means being tiltable about ahorizontal axis;

a plurality of platforms longitudinally slidably mounted on said framemeans, said platforms being individually movable relative to said framemeans;

a footrest supported from a first of said platforms;

longitudinal vibration inducing means supported from said elongatedframe means adjacent said footrest, said vibration inducing meanscomprising a stationary portion fixed to said frame means and a portionmovable with respect to said stationary portion in a directionlongitudinal with respect to said elongated frame means; and

strap means carried by said movable portion of said vibration inducingmeans, said strap means being adapted to be attached to the ankles of apatient lying on said platforms with his feet on said footrest.

2. A table as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:

a headrest supported by a second of said platforms, said second platformbeing at the opposite end of said frame from said first platform.

3. A table as claimed in claim 2 wherein said platforms are providedwith straps for securing a patient to the table.

4. A table as claimed in claim 1 wherein said frame includes stops forlimiting the motion of each of said platforms.

5. A table as claimed in claim 1 wherein said footrest is adjustable forelevation and in the longitudinal direction of the table.

6. A table as claimed in claim 2 wherein said footrest and headrest areboth adjustable for elevation and in the longitudinal direction of thetable.

7. A table as claimed in claim 2 wherein either end of said frame may beelevated above a horizontal plane through the axis of rotation thereof.

8. A table as claimed in claim 2 wherein said vibration inducing meansis detachable, the apparatus further comprising means for attaching saidvibration inducing means to said headrest.

9. A table as claimed in claim 8 wherein the means for attaching saidvibration inducing means comprises flanges provided at the underside ofsaid second platform, said flanges having openings which permit saidvibration inducing means comprises flanges provided at the underside ofsaid second platform, said flanges having openings which permit saidvibration inducing means to be attached by straps.

10. A table as claimed in claim 2 further comprising:

means for inclining said frame in the desired direction, said incliningmeans comprising a rotatable drive shaft mounted in said pedestal andoperatively connected to a rotatable cam carried by a shaft mounted insaid pedestal, said cam being housed in a radial slot in said pivotallymounted frame.

11. A table as claimed in claim 2 further comprising:

means for securing said platforms together.

12. A table as claimed in claim 11 further comprising:

means for immobilizing said platforms on said frame.

13. A table as claimed in claim 2 wherein said vibration means isimmobile and the movable portion thereof is slideable longitudinally ofsaid frame means and comprises coaxial massage rollers, the axis of saidrollers being perpendicular to the direction of movement of said slidingportion.

1. A therapeutic table comprising: a pedestal; elongated frame meanspivotally mounted to said pedestal and extending to either side thereof,said frame means being tiltable about a horizontal axis; a plurality ofplatforms longitudinally slidably mounted on said frame means, saidplatforms being individually movable relative to said frame means; afootrest supported from a first of said platforms; longitudinalvibration inducing means supported from said elongated frame meansadjacent said footrest, said vibration inducing means comprising astationary portion fixed to said frame means and a portion movable withrespect to said stationary portion in a direction longitudinal withrespect to said elongated frame means; and strap means carried by saidmovable portion of said vibration inducing means, said strap means beingadapted to be attached to the ankles of a patient lying on saidplatforms with his feet on said footrest.
 2. A table as claimed in claim1 further comprising: a headrest supported by a second of saidplatforms, said second platform being at the opposite end of said framefrom said first platform.
 3. A table as claimed in claim 2 wherein saidplatforms are provided with straps for securing a patient to the table.4. A table as claimed in claim 1 wherein said frame includes stops forlimiting the motion of each of said platforms.
 5. A table as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said footrest is adjustable for elevation and in thelongitudinal direction of the table.
 6. A table as claimed in claim 2wherein said footrest and headrest are both adjustable for elevation andin the longitudinal direction of the table.
 7. A table as claimed inclaim 2 wherein either end of said frame may be elevated above ahorizontal plane through the axis of rotation thereof.
 8. A table asclaimed in claim 2 wherein said vibration inducing means is detachable,the apparatus further comprising means for attaching said vibrationinducing means to said headrest.
 9. A table as claimed in claim 8wherein the means for attaching said vibration inducing means comprisesflanges provided at the underside of said second platform, said flangeshaving openings which permit said vibration inducing means comprisesflanges provided at the underside of said second platform, said flangeshaving openings which permit said vibration inducing means to beattached by straps.
 10. A table as claimed in claim 2 furthercomprising: means for inclining said frame in the desired direction,said inclining means comprising a rotatable drive shaft mounted in saidpedestal and operatively connected to a rotatable cam carried by a shaftmounted in said pedestal, said cam being housed in a radiAl slot in saidpivotally mounted frame.
 11. A table as claimed in claim 2 furthercomprising: means for securing said platforms together.
 12. A table asclaimed in claim 11 further comprising: means for immobilizing saidplatforms on said frame.
 13. A table as claimed in claim 2 wherein saidvibration means is immobile and the movable portion thereof is slideablelongitudinally of said frame means and comprises coaxial massagerollers, the axis of said rollers being perpendicular to the directionof movement of said sliding portion.